Colyer Finds Calling as Business Banker
About three years ago, Aaron Colyer left a larger national bank for an opportunity as a business banking specialist at Raccoon Valley Bank. “I wanted to find a culture that my beliefs aligned with,” he said. One of his first projects was to review the bank’s business products and features to see if changes were needed. He said the changes he suggested “kept us competitive with other financial institutions and also provided customers an easier and better way of banking.”
As a business banking specialist, Colyer’s primary focus is assisting business customers and helping ensure their banking experience is easy, convenient and affordable. “I work directly with business owners to understand their needs and desires to be able to set them up for success,” he said.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
Before Raccoon Valley Bank, I worked at a national bank. The main reason I switched was because I wanted to find a culture that my beliefs aligned with. When I received the opportunity to work at RVB, I was tasked with reviewing all the business products and features to see if changes were needed. Throughout this project, I made changes to our products and services. These changes kept us competitive with other financial institutions and also provided customers an easier and better way of banking.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Never stop seeking ways to learn and develop. A career in banking is determined by how much you put into it. If you start as a teller and do not strive to make an effort to develop, you are going to miss out on so many opportunities.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career for an individual that doesn’t like doing the same thing day in and day out. I have had many different roles in my banking career, from being in a call center, to leading financial education for my district, to being a business banker. The great thing about getting into a banking career is that the opportunities are massive for any individual!
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA has helped me with professional development! They offer some great learning opportunities for a newer banker to help grow and learn about the community bank that I will be working in and the customers that I will be helping.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I am not at work, I fill my time with family and kids’ activities. I am married to my beautiful wife, Bria, and we have two boys — Aben, who is 11 years old, and Bo, who is 9 years old. Both boys are very active in sports. If I am not coaching my boys, I am watching them play or we are at our local America Ninja Warrior Gym watching my youngest train. I am also very active in the Urbandale Chamber and GenYP group. I am the membership chair for GenYP and a connector for the chamber.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
I live by the Platinum Rule — Treat others how they would like to be treated. I also really enjoyed this quote by Pastor Craig Groeschel — You cannot change what you are willing to tolerate.